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Virginia Hamm Obituary
Countless adult children across America lost their kindergarten teacher on September 9th. Ginger Hamm passed away at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan. from the effects of a life well-lived; she wore herself out.
Virginia Elizabeth Hamm was a Green baby, born on April Fools Day, 1936, to Gene and Juanita Green in Olathe, Kan. She would go on to inspire hundreds-thousands-of children during 39 years of herding the kindergarten.
Ginger had four great loves in her life, and the first was her son. Ginger was an engaging, talkative woman and married young at 20. In 1956 Larry was born and was the love her life until the day she died. Adolescent cancer claimed him in 1974. She never got over it and helped form a Lawrence, Kan. chapter of Compassionate Friends to provide help and friendship to those who have lost children. Then in 2001, Ginger, herself, was diagnosed with cancer. The same oncologist who treated her son treated her, something she liked to brag about. Ginger continued volunteering at that same oncology clinic at Lawrence Memorial Hospital for years afterward to offer support from her experiences.
Her second great love was education and her tenure as a kindergarten teacher. Ginger matriculated at the Kansas State Teachers College (now the Emporia State University) while married and pregnant, graduating with a bachelor's degree in education in 1958. During her studies, she earned a physical education credit, she boasted, for constructive rest. That's also called "napping." She went on to earn a master's in education from the University of Kansas in 1972 and spent more than three decades alone teaching at Centennial Elementary School in Lawrence.
Ginger became, through her years of dedication to teaching, an unintentional celebrity. Her students span generations of children who still remember her classroom as a second home. Rarely did she travel anywhere from a local gas station in Lawrence to either coast without former students recognizing her. What's especially impressive is that she most often still remembered their names.
Ginger found her soulmate when she remarried in 1978 to Emory Hamm, her third great love. And it was true serendipity. They spent 42 years traveling (and shopping) non-stop, cross country, often via motorcycle. She liked to look at stuff, and he liked to drive around. Fast food, antique shops and slot machines never had better friends.
She was beloved from either side of Kansas to the coasts by students, parents, patients, coworkers and staff from multiple generations. Lawrence Public Schools lists Ginger as a Master Teacher and she was inducted into the Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame in 1998.
More than nearly anything, Ginger adored her baby sister, Linda, and talked with her daily. She was the fourth great love of Ginger's life.
Ginger is survived by her sister, Linda; her nephew C.B. and his wife Linda; her nephew Brad; and their accumulated children and their families. She specifically wished to ensure that Larry would not be forgotten.
Visitation will be Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th St., Lawrence, Kan. A graveside service and burial will follow at 3 p.m. at the Johnson County Funeral Chapel & Memorial Gardens, 11280 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Kan. Her family requests donations in lieu of flowers to the Compassionate Friends of Douglas County
(https://www.compassionatefriends.org).
For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Virginia Hamm
Edwin vonbargen
September 9, 2024
I waited on Virginia a few times a Perkins a few times her smile always brightened my day
Derrick Spain
October 11, 2023
I have such fond memories of Mrs. Hamm, who was my kindergarten teacher in 1976. Over the years I ran into her occasionally and she always remembered me. Growing up in Lawrence it seemed like half the kids had her for teacher. She was a warm and caring person who had a positive influence on so many lives. She will be sorely missed. I reflect on her passing with sadness, and on her legacy with gratitude.
Erin Rahija
September 28, 2023
I took care of Ginger for 2 years while she lived at Pioneer Ridge. She was a wonderful friend to me the entire time, but most notably during my last 7 months there while I worked the overnight shift. She was a night owl through and through and would often share snacks with me and ask how I was doing. She was a staple of the community at Pioneer Ridge and I will always remember the beautiful relationships she nurtured with other residents, and of course Katie, the pup. She seemed to gravitate towards people who were struggling, and she always found a way to ease their minds and comfort them when they needed it. Ginger often told affectionate stories about Emory, and although I'm deeply saddened that she is gone from this world, I'm filled with joy knowing she is reunited with him. I love you Ginger, make sure you do something fun, wherever you are.
Randi
September 26, 2023
I worked at a nail salon she went to regularly and every time she was there I sang along to the music as her entertainment. I´ll forever be your entertainment miss Ginger. May your soul rest peacefully
Katy Gold
September 23, 2023
I don´t have many early memories but have vivid memories of my time with Mrs Craig? (Hamm) in Kindergarten at Centennial. I remember sitting in a circle, the box with red/yellow/and green lights to let you know when the bathroom was free, and nap time on our little mats. It´s 50 years later but she made such an impression on me that I still carry the warmth and safe feeling that she gave to all the kids in that class.
Suzi Cammon
September 20, 2023
Just as Cindy Gress was the School Nurse, I was the School Counselor and then there was Ginger, the Kindergarten teacher - always the students' favorite! It was quite a 'family' until Centennial was closed.
She never encountered a student she couldn't find a connection with - and that, she did. She loved them all. Ginger was fun, creative, ornery and loving. She knew when to laugh and when to console others.
Ginger, you've left a big hole in our lives to fill. As you enter those pearly gates, it will just take a second to find Larry and share with him all that you've shared with us. RIP my dear, dear friend!!!
Cindy Gress
September 20, 2023
Thankful I was blessed to start my school nurse career at Centennial where Ginger was the kindergarten teacher. I watched the unconditional love she had for all of her students. Definitely a diamond in this world. RIP hug on your son!!
Michael Peters
September 19, 2023
To the most amazing woman I´ve ever known. She was the best teacher in the universe! We remember always seeing her in Walmart shopping. Matter fact, every time we saw her she was shopping.
Our beloved Teacher, Mrs. hamm will be truly missed.
But I´m sure the angels in heaven are rejoicing.
We love you always and forever.
Michael Peters, and family
Jeff Tryon
September 19, 2023
I have only great memories of being a student in her class. I remember her bright smile and kind heart.
Deb Drummet
September 19, 2023
What a beautiful obituary! A life well lived indeed. RIP.
Edwin
September 18, 2023
I waited on Virginia a few time at my job always a very sweet lady I´ll miss seeing her sweet face
Rita Wagner
September 18, 2023
I was privileged to know Ginger when I worked in the Oncology Clinic and she was a volunteer. She had a way of putting people at ease and always lent a sympathetic and empathetic ear. Ginger was a very special person and will be remembered and missed by many. Deepest condolences to her family and friends.
Janet Cotton Bauman
September 18, 2023
We lost a beautiful soul!
I, too, am an adult child (64) of her kindergarten classroom!
My sincere condolences to her loved ones.
Sheryle D´Amico
September 17, 2023
Ginger was an amazing volunteer in the Oncology Center at LMHH. She would put a smile on the faces of our patients (and staff) every time she was there and she certainly gave a lot of her time! To her family, I am very sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Sheryle D´Amico
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Sep
20
Visitation
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Warren-McElwain Mortuary & Cremation Services - Lawrence Chapel120 W 13th St, Lawrence, KS 66044
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Warren-McElwain Mortuary & Cremation Services - Lawrence Chapel120 W 13th St, Lawrence, KS 66044
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